Category Archives: Bordeaux

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bordeaux grapes in wines across the globe

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Ray Johnson

This tour starts in California, moves to Bordeaux and finishes down under, featuring Merlot and both Cabernets. Redwood Creek, California, Merlot 2009 This is an easy-drinking quaffer, quite light, fruity and hinting at a bit of structure. Winemaker Cal Dennison. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mudgee, New South Wales | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Haut-Colombier Bordeaux Clairet 2009

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Haut-Colombier, Bordeaux Clairet 2009 This is a deeply-colored rose, approaching what you see in some Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. In the nose the fruit shines through with some earthy notes as well. In the mouth it is fruity and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Clairet, France, Rosé | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chateau Suduiraut 2005

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes 1er Cru 2005 The nose features lots of honey, a bit of straw, tropical fruit notes and appropriate volatility. In the mouth it is thick and rich, lemony, tempered by acidity and reminiscent of a spoonful of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Semillon | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chateau Gravas 2008

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Gravas, Sauternes 2008 The nose shows a nice sense of tropical fruit, honey and minerality. In the mouth you’ll find a light-bodied Sauternes, yet one that hits the profile, albeit without the concentration of the big guns – yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Semillon, White Dessert | Tagged | Leave a comment

Le G de Chateau Guiraud

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux Blanc Sec, Le G de Chateau Guiraud 2007 The nose features straw, minerality, lanolin and stone fruit.  There’s an evolved complexity that shows already. In the mouth there is a nice thread of acidity with the richness … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon | Leave a comment

Chateau Climens 2005

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Climens, Barsac 2005 What is wonderful about this wine is the amount of fruit that shows, from citrus to the tropical notes of pineapple. Sure, there is the expected richness of honey and appropriate volatility, but the coupling of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Sauternes, Semillon | Tagged | 1 Comment

Left Bank Bordeaux

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien | Tagged , | 1 Comment

La Conseillante 2007

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2007 Toasty, smoky oak meets blueberries and crushed leaves in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find an approachable wine, with ripe tannins, lots of black fruit, complementary leather and lingering acidity – very nice. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pomerol | Tagged | Leave a comment

Bordeaux 2005

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Chateau LaFleur-Gazin 2005 The sweetness of the fruit in this Pomerol is rather fetching, possessing a liquer-like character. In the mouth it is supple and fruity, with plums and cassis on a velvety palate. The flavors linger with the acidity- … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Margaux, Pauillac, Pomerol | Tagged , , | Leave a comment